She gives me a cunning smile. “Come on, fess up. It’s just us. You can talk about Daniel all you want. Pen isn’t here to gag or beg us not to.”
Using my chopsticks, I grab a roll and dip it in the soy sauce. “There’s nothing to fess up. We’re just friends.”
She huffs an exasperated breath and gives me a thumbs down. “You gotta give me something, Josie. Something, anything. You guys are going to live together for the rest of the semester. He’s literally moving in with you. Like how does one do that?”
“You pack your things and get out.”
“You know what I mean. He has bills and stuff to pay.”
“I’m not making him pay because it’s not necessary, but he is going to cook. And Gray, do you remember him?”
She hums with pleasure. “Yeah, there’s no forgetting him…that mustache and his little Southern accent.”
“He’s going to pay whatever Daniel was paying. Apparently, he has the money or whatever, I don’t know. I didn’t ask.”
He texted me earlier today after his practice. He said he talked to the guys and just as expected, they took it well. We haven’t talked any more because he’s busy packing and I want to give him space.
Last night was a lot. My emotions were all over the place and they still are. I’m not sure if I’m doing the right thing by letting him move in. It’s not because I don’t want him to, but after I went off on him yesterday, I realized how much I care about him and that scares me.
Vi tucks her legs under her butt after she’s done filling up her plate. She squares her shoulders like she’s getting ready for business. “Just answer this: do you want to fuck him?”
“Uh, no.”
“Ah! You hesitated.”
“I didn’t hesitate. I was chewing.”
“Bullshit.”
DANIEL
“Bullshit,” Kai calls out.
“I suggest you all get help because your way of thinking is so unhealthy.” I finish placing the last of my vinyls in a box then tape it up.
“You want to talk about unhealthy? You’re moving in with a girl you’ve only known for a month, yet your ex-girlfriend asked you to move in with her and you said no,” Angel counters, dead set on making a point just like everyone else has.
Except for Noah—he’s been quiet, and I really appreciate that.
“That’s not unhealthy,” Noah says. I’m pleasantly surprised that he’s sticking up for me.
“Thanks No?—”
“It’s delusional. I’m adding more money. No way they don’t end up together before the end of the semester.”
I spoke too soon. “Noah, shut up. Matter of fact, everyone shut up and get out. If you’re not going to help, you have no use for me here.” I set the box on the floor and grab another empty one. “Wait, are you guys still on with the bet? I told you to stop that.”
“Bet?” Pen’s gaze bounces over the guys. “What bet? I want to be part of it.”
I grumble. “Pen, why are you even here?”
“So how much are we talking?” She ignores me.
“I’m moving in with her because you’re all getting on my nerves.”
“You know, if I were you, I’d also be living with her. You guys should see her house. It’s so fucking nice,” Angel says.
“Wait, how do you know what it looks like?” Kai looks between Angel and me.
